Michelle McCleod Earns ROUR Award for Autism Research

News Summary

Michelle McCleod, a senior at the University of Alabama from Dothan, has been honored with the 2025 Randall Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award for her research on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her work highlights the ‘double empathy problem’ and aims to improve communication between autistic individuals and their neurotypical peers. McCleod’s dedication to advancing autism awareness culminates in her recent publication, making her one of the youngest published researchers at her university.

Dothan, Alabama: Michelle McCleod Earns 2025 ROUR Award for Groundbreaking Autism Research

Michelle McCleod, a senior majoring in Neuroscience at the University of Alabama and a Dothan native, has recently been awarded the prestigious 2025 Randall Outstanding Undergraduate Research (ROUR) Award. This honor is in recognition of her significant research titled “Neural Bases of Information Transfer in Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

The ROUR Awards Program recognizes and celebrates exemplary undergraduate research at the University of Alabama. Nominees for this award are typically identified and put forward by faculty members and research directors. McCleod is among 18 students from the College of Arts & Sciences who received this award this year, showcasing a diverse array of research topics across both the sciences and humanities.

McCleod’s research focuses on the “double empathy problem” in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This concept highlights the communication difficulties that arise between autistic individuals and their neurotypical peers. Her work posits that while communication between two autistic individuals is often effective and enjoyable, challenges arise when conversing with non-autistic individuals. The objective of her research is to enhance awareness of the double empathy problem and develop strategies to improve mutual understanding among autistic individuals, their families, teachers, and healthcare providers.

Background of Michelle McCleod

Originally hailing from Dothan, Alabama, McCleod graduated from Dothan High School in 2022. She has achieved notable academic success, being recognized as a National Merit Scholar. This achievement reflects her dedication to her studies and potential in her chosen field. McCleod’s passion for research and her commitment to exploring complex topics surrounding autism has led her to publish her first research paper in August 2024, making her one of the youngest published researchers at the University of Alabama.

The publication, “Neurocomputational Phenotypes in Female and Male Autistic Individuals,” appeared in The Journal of Science & Health at The University of Alabama (JOSHUA). This early success has fueled her ambition to continue conducting research throughout her academic and professional career.

Impact of Research on Autism Awareness

Through her work, McCleod aims to contribute to a broader understanding of ASD, particularly in the context of social interactions. The double empathy problem posits that the social communication difficulties are not solely a result of autism but also influenced by the lack of understanding and empathy from neurotypical individuals. By addressing this issue, her research seeks to foster better relationships and communication between autistic individuals and those who are not.

The recognition provided by the ROUR Award serves as an acknowledgment of her hard work and dedication. McCleod expressed gratitude for receiving the award, viewing it as a motivating signal that she is on the right track in her academic pursuits. With her ongoing commitment to researching autism, she aspires to play a role in shaping future practices and enhancing awareness of these critical issues.

Conclusion

Michelle McCleod’s accolade not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores the importance of research in understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her endeavors reflect a growing acknowledgment of the complexities associated with autism and the essential efforts needed to bridge communication gaps. As she continues her journey at the University of Alabama, her work may potentially lead to significant advancements in both academic understanding and societal acceptance of autistic individuals.

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